Why Diversity? CAMH Annual Report 2004

CAMH Annual Report

We understand and respect each person as unique. We show this respect through sensitivity, dignity and inclusive practices that include people from diverse groups in our decision making, information sharing and access to services.

We believe in the principles of equity and access; we recognize the diversity of race, culture, ethnicity, socio-economic class, language/accent, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical and mental abilities, literacy level and immigration/refugee status. We also respect the diversity of communities we serve by having inclusive practices and policies for our governance, service and employment. 

-- from the 2003/06 Strategic Plan

The theme of this year's report is diversity. We have chosen this theme because diversity has been an organizational priority since CAMH was created in 1998. We recognize that globalization, technology and the media have made it necessary to look beyond our borders. We must look to many different cultures for wisdom, guidance and understanding, because the world we live in today is far more complex than it has ever been before.

In addition, we know from extensive research and experience that the social determinants of health affect people from marginalized groups, particularly in areas such as employment, housing, racial identity, education, food security and social exclusion. If you are female, a person of colour, an immigrant, a person with a disability or have low income, your chances of ill health increase dramatically. This has major implications for our work in substance use and mental health.

By embracing diversity at work and in our personal lives, we not only enrich our own learning, but are also better able to serve those who come to us for help and guidance as they work through their addiction or mental health problems toward recovery. To make diversity part of the fabric of our workplace, we have a Diversity Programs Office (DPO) that, by providing resources and support, promotes the integration of diversity into everything we do at CAMH.

Internally at CAMH, not only has the DPO helped to create new diversity policies, it has also provided leadership in the areas of programs and services, human resources, community and stakeholder relationships, training and development, internal CAMH diversity education and promotion, and innovation leading to new organizational directions.

Externally, our diversity plan guides our work with others in the community to help develop tools and educational programs that will help improve the quality and accessibility of services for diverse populations across Ontario's addiction and mental health systems.

It is through the dedication of the staff, clients and volunteers at CAMH that we bring the work of the DPO and our diversity plan to life. The following pages will tell you their stories.

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